A method based on the use of solid-phase extraction disks for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine compounds (pg l(-1)) in deposition samples collected in remote sites is described. Diverse aspects determining extraction efficiencies such as packing composition (C-8 and C-18), extraction number and elution solvents have been evaluated. The lowest relative standard deviations (3-20%) and best extraction efficiencies (80-100%) have been obtained using a solvent program of methanol, cyclohexane and dichloromethane (5 ml each) and octadecylsilane disks. Detection and quantitation limits were in the order of 0.14-3.5 pg l(-1). These Limits were achieved by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and detection in the selected ion monitoring mode. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.